Australian Politician Proposes To Partner During Same-Sex Marriage Debate

“This debate has been the soundtrack to our relationship.”

Australia’s push for marriage equality is impacting many of its citizens, including those in government.

Liberal member of Parliament Tim Wilson proposed to his partner, Ryan Bolger, shortly after the country’s same-sex marriage bill was introduced to the House of Representatives on Monday. Wilson gave an emotional speech on the floor, praising Bolger for his love and patience.

“You’ve had to tolerate more than most because you’ve had to put up with me,” Wilson said. “Trust me. This debate has been the soundtrack to our relationship.”

“In my first speech I defined our bond by the ring that sits on both of our left hands,” Wilson continued. “They are the answer to the question we cannot ask. So there’s only one thing left to do—Ryan Patrick Bolger, will you marry me?”

“I am utterly unpersuaded by opposition [to marriage equality] that my marriage to Lucy or indeed any marriage is undermined by two gay men or women setting up house down the road whether it is called a marriage or not,” Turnbull said in an address to Parliament shortly after Wilson’s proposal.